The Junior League of Dallas (JLD) and presenting sponsor Texas Instruments (TI) awarded 38 Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) educators with grants of up to $2,500 each through the annual Grants for Innovative Teaching (GFIT) program. In its history, this JLD Signature Project has awarded more than $2.2 million to Dallas ISD educators, and this year, it will directly impact more than 30,000 students. It is designed to encourage excellence in education by funding special projects addressing reading and literacy enrichment; diversity; special education; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); or arts and culture enrichment across one or more grade levels. This year, $78,684 was distributed to support deserving educators’ winning projects during a ceremony held September 14, 2023, at Junior League of Dallas Headquarters.

“The Grants for Innovative Teaching Committee is in awe of the level of innovation, uniqueness and inclusivity that each of the educators so passionately brought to the table. We are thrilled to be able to provide financial support to these creative educators and impact more than 30,000 Dallas ISD students throughout this school year,” said JLD President Christina Eubanks. “The funding of these grants is possible through generous donations from our sponsors including: Texas Instruments (Presenting Sponsor) and The Agnes Cluthe Oliver Foundation. Without their continued generosity, this program would not exist.”

Some of the grants selected include: Eclipses are Totally Awesome, The Heart of Hawthorne-Learning Through the School Garden, and Future in Biotechnology. The projects awarded will provide students with diverse experiences and highlight the innovation of the Dallas ISD educators.

Eclipses are Totally Awesome will provide at least 2,000 sixth through eighth grade science students with safe solar viewing glasses to view the eclipse, which will take place on April 8, 2024. This eclipse will be a very unique experience for these students because in this century, only six more solar eclipses will take place in North America, but none of those will take place in the state of Texas. Students will study eclipses leading up to the date, including learning about space science, the math involved in studying solar eclipses, and long held beliefs about eclipses found in various cultures.

The Heart of Hawthorne-Learning Through the School Garden - This is the third phase of the Hawthorne Garden and is designed to increase the sustainability of the garden after seeing great success at this elementary school campus after phases 1 and 2. Heart of Hawthorne aims to support academic achievement, social and emotional wellbeing, and the development of healthy lifestyle choices. The campus garden is instrumental in reducing stress among students, while making a positive impact on self-esteem and overall development. Cross-curricular connections through the integration of all content areas (science, math, social studies and reading) will help increase academic success and achievement. Active participation in the campus garden will also include health and nutrition awareness, as data suggests that students who grow vegetables are more likely to eat them.

Future in Biotechnology is designed to enable first year students in the Advanced Science Cluster magnet program to build skills in biotechnology and innovation by designing a prototype for the Toshiba/NSTA Exploravision Competition as part of the year’s curriculum, with an end of year capstone project. Previously, students have been limited due to a lack of ability to engage in hands-on industry quality biotechnology investigations. With the technology acquired through this grant, students will be able to better understand the technologies through hands-on experiential learning. The project also helps students build soft skills like presentation skills and resume preparation that will set the students up for long-term success.

“Teachers mean more to students’ academic success than any other part of the academic experience,” said Andy Smith, TI director of giving and volunteering. “They serve as role models and champions for their students, all while preparing them for future success. This is TI’s 14^th year to support the Junior League of Dallas’ Grants for Innovative Teaching awards, and we are proud to be a part of a program that recognizes such outstanding teachers as this year’s recipients.” 

The Junior League of Dallas cultivates leaders who collectively address the critical needs of the community. Founded in 1922, JLD is one of the largest Junior Leagues in the world, as well as the largest and oldest training organization for women in Dallas. Active members range in age from 22 to 49 with approximately 85% percent of women employed outside of the home. The JLD provides leadership opportunities to nearly 4,000 women each year through more than 17,000 cumulative hours of experiential and formal training. Uniquely member-run, JLD provides approximately 100,000 hours in volunteer service and more than $1 million in funding to area nonprofits each year. For more information, please visit www.jldallas.org or Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Dallas 24 Hour Club – a nonprofit organization that provides transitional living, support services, and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become contributing and self-supporting members of the community – will host its monthly Steak Night on Saturday, September 2, 2023. Steak Night, held on the first Saturday of each month, is a great opportunity for fellowship with Residents of The 24 and local community members.

On September 2^nd, professional singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist artist Rachel Stacy and her all-female, sober band, will perform for Residents and guests at The 24, located at 4636 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204 from 5 to 10 p.m. Steaks served at the event will be $15. The 24 will also be kicking off North Texas Giving Day fundraising efforts at the September Steak Night! Thanks to a generous donation from Roofix Roofing, all donations made on September 2nd will be matched up to $500. 

Founded in 1969, Dallas 24 Hour Club provides transitional living, support servicesand essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts, so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become contributing and self-supporting members of the community. The main facility on Ross Avenue offers a six-month program for men and women to help them embrace recovery, find employment, reconnect with family members, and learn to live independently. Tillman House, Dallas 24 Hour Club’s program for Successful Graduates, is a yearlong program that helps Residents transition into living independently. Throughout their stay, Residents can receive scholarships to further their education through Texas Tech University or Dallas College’s WorkReadyU program. More than 35 12-Step Meetings are hosted weekly at Dallas 24 Hour Club on Ross Avenue. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend Recovery Meetings and to provide fellowship and support to the Residents. The Hubcap Café, located inside Dallas 24 Hour Club, is open daily to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information about Dallas 24 Hour Club, please visit www.dallas24hourclub.org.

Scarlet Reagan, a new boutique on Lovers Lane offering a curated collection of unique gifts and home décor, including original art, jewelry, throw pillows, candles, furniture, and home accessories, has just kicked off its End of Summer Sale. The sale will be in-store for a limited time and will include:

• 20% off all pillows, with select pillows, marked down 30%
• 20% off butterfly prints (framed and unframed)
• 20% off select jewelry
• 20% off all ready-made framed art
• Home décor up to 70% off
• Furniture Floor Samples (prices marked individually)

Scarlet Reagan is located at 5710 West Lovers Lane, Suite 101, Dallas, Texas 75209, and is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit https://www.scarletreagan.com/. To stay up-to-date with the latest inventory and original art pieces, follow @scarletreagan on Instagram.

SCARLET REAGAN IS NOW OPEN ON LOVERS LANE, OFFERING

 A CURATED COLLECTION OF UNIQUE GIFTS, HOME DÉCOR, AND ORIGINAL

ART BY DALLAS-BASED ARTIST AND DESIGNER KRISTI KENNIMER

Dallas-based artist and designer Kristi Kennimer recently opened maximalist art and home décor store, Scarlet Reagan, adjacent to the Pavilion on Lovers Lane. Named after Kennimer’s daughter, Scarlet Reagan offers a curated collection of unique gifts and home décor, including original art, jewelry, throw pillows, candles, furniture, and home accessories. In 2018, Kennimer opened her first retail space in Lakewood, with customers including interior designers and homeowners with an elevated yet fun sense of style. Kennimer consolidated the Lakewood location with the new 2,100-square-foot flagship store.

Balancing form and function with comfort and usability, Kennimer has an eye for the exceptional and takes a passionate, design-driven approach. “Whether I’m curating jewelry collections or assembling a room, I look for sculptural pieces that aren’t forgettable. They have to be inspiring, interesting, and fun. I love an element of surprise,” Kennimer said. “At Scarlet Reagan, we are a neighborhood store where everyone who visits feels welcome and at home. And, we want our patrons to be inspired and happy, whether purchasing a truly unique gift, art, or something special for their home that will brighten their lives.”

Kennimer’s most coveted offerings are her custom large-scale oil paintings, crafted with a special process she has honed in her more than 25 years as a professional artist. Her unique process connects the commissioner to the work’s meaning on a personal level, creating a catalyst that will allow your space to give back to you.     

“When I paint a custom piece, I am thinking about you [the customer] the entire time… how we connect, the trajectory of your life, what’s next in your path. Your painting becomes the story of you in abstract form,” she adds.

In addition to custom art of all types, Kennimer creates museum-quality archival prints from her paintings, which are available in a variety of sizes and frame options to make her art more accessible. She has also been designing custom furniture, throw pillows, and other home accessories for more than 20 years. Kennimer is currently developing a line of Scarlet Reagan home décor products and accessories, as well as a collection of wallpapers and signature textiles derived from her original paintings.

Scarlet Reagan is located at 5710 West Lovers Lane, Suite 101, Dallas, Texas 75209 and is open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit https://www.scarletreagan.com/. To stay up-to-date with the latest inventory and original art pieces, follow @scarletreagan on Instagram.

Dallas 24 Hour Club welcomed 200 guests to its second annual Tea for Recovery, co-chaired by Dr. M. Joan Terry and her daughter Rev. Tiffany Wright, on Thursday, May 4, at the Dallas Woman’s Forum. The event benefitted Residents of Dallas 24 Hour Club, which has been providing transitional living, support services, and essential life skills for homeless alcoholics and addicts, so they can embrace long-term sobriety and become contributing and self-supporting members of the community since 1969.

The idea of Tea for Recovery was brewed in 2022 as a way to blend a love of high tea and a passion for the mission of Dallas 24 Hour Club. Dr. M. Joan Terry and her daughter, Rev. Tiffany Wright, knew the mission of Dallas 24 Hour Club was one they wanted to support after having a loved one come through the program. Tea for Recovery is now an annual event that creates a charmingly unique way to support the Residents of Dallas 24 Hour Club.

This year’s Tea for Recovery kicked off with Dr. Terry and Rev. Wright welcoming attendees, followed an inspiring invocation by Rev. Wright. With concurrent programs on two levels in the historic Alexander Mansion, Marsha Williamson, CEO of Dallas 24 Hour Club, kicked off the program on the first floor and shared more about The 24 and its programs.  

Marsha shared that in 2022, The 24 helped over 600 individuals get off the streets, find employment, reconnect with family members and embrace Recovery, all with a 31% success rate. She shared that one of her favorite parts of the work done at The 24 is reconnecting Residents with their loved ones and seeing them embrace a healthy, sober relationship together. Marsha noted that addiction affects not only the individual, but all of their family and friends as well, so it's an absolute joy for everyone at The 24 to see families reunite.

Marsha then introduced alumna Stephanie Crawford, who shared her experience about the programs and support offered by The 24 and how this impacted her life. Stephanie spoke about the vulnerability of being a homeless woman and how her life changed the moment she stepped foot in Dallas 24 Hour Club seven years ago. During her moving testimony, Stephanie expressed her gratitude to Marsha and The 24 for helping her reunite with her daughter and find peace in her life.

Simultaneously on the second level, Dallas 24 Hour Club Development Director Adrienne Santaularia welcomed the audience and shared a similar message about The 24 and its success in our community. She then invited Valerie Niebrand to share her testimony about her experience going through the program and her life now.

During the powerful testimonials from these former Residents, guests enjoyed an elegant luncheon featuring of a variety of tea sandwiches and quiche, along with delicious deserts. This year’s culinary team included Chef Jason Martin, Chef Shon Johnson-Tripp, Chef Eric Dreyer, and Terry Kranz.

Thanks to a generous supporter and friend of The 24 who underwrote the event expenses for Tea for Recovery, 100% of the monies raised will directly support The 24's mission of supporting its Residents. Along with fundraising success, Tea for Recovery provided an opportunity for the female Residents who were in attendance to enjoy fellowship with The 24's family-like community and have sober fun! Prior to the event, the women were treated with a gift card to shop for tea attire at Ross Dress, so they could step into the event in style! 

This year’s sponsors included:

Earl Grey Presenting Sponsor: A Friend and Supporter of The 24

Orange Blossom Sponsors: Lauren Adler & Colbie Brazell Campbell; American National Bank of Texas; Anonymous; Brandy Baxter-Thompson; Burning Tree Programs; Dallas Mavericks;
Holly Greef; Grinke Stewart Law, PLLC; Guaranty Bank and Trust; Greg & Maggie Hatfield; Dr. Maureen Jamieson-Quilling; Carrie Pickell; Betsy Rector; The Reynolds Family; Alliance Bank of Rockwall; Chuck & M.J. Stahl; Dr. M. Joan Terry & Reverends Alan & Tiffany Wright

Ginger Tea Sponsors: Lauren Sahliyeh; Texas Instruments Foundation

Hibiscus Tea Sponsors: Origins Behavioral Healthcare; KDC Real Estate Development & Investments

Event Supporters: Ben E. Keith Company; Cavallini Coffee & Tea; Laurie Connell; Jennifer Grant; Denise Knitch, D.J Joel Morris, and Trader Joe’s.

The 2023 Tea for Recovery host committee was comprised of Libby Albritton, Lauren Adler, Brady Baxter-Thompson, Colbie Brazell Campbell, Tracie Frazier, Dr. Maureen Jamieson-Quilling, and Laura Sahliyeh.